3 Ways to Get Your Smile Holiday-Ready

December is here, and with it, the holiday season. This time of year is exciting because you get to see friends and family and (probably) take some time off work. You’ll also be smiling a lot, whether at parties or while taking photos, so it’s important that you feel confident about showing your grin.

Family and cosmetic dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, at SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, loves helping patients look and feel their best. When there’s no time for lengthy treatments, and you need a quick fix now, we have three simple solutions that can make your smile vibrant all season long.

3 ways to a vibrant holiday smile — now

Sometimes, all you need is a good cleaning to get your smile sparkling again. If it’s been more than six months since you last had your teeth cleaned, now is the perfect time to make an appointment. 

If you need more than a traditional cleaning to achieve the results you want, here are a few easy things you can do to make your smile holiday-ready:

1. Try professional teeth whitening

Even if you brush twice daily and floss regularly, your teeth can still develop stains. This is especially true if you regularly drink coffee or soda or use tobacco. While whitening toothpaste can help eliminate some discoloration, for significant progress, Dr. Patel often recommends teeth whitening.

We offer two types of professional teeth whitening: in-office whitening with Opalescence Boost and take-home teeth whitening trays (also by Opalescence). Both approaches are convenient and can make your smile noticeably lighter in just a few hours (in-office whitening) or over a few weeks (take-home whitening trays). 

2. Get dental veneers

Sometimes, stains and discoloration don’t respond to teeth whitening. If this happens, or you have another concern, such as a cracked or chipped tooth, Dr. Patel may recommend dental veneers. 

Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves bonding wafer-thin porcelain shells to your permanent teeth. They make your teeth look uniform, address cosmetic concerns, and let you smile confidently. 

Treatment involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel (about a millimeter thick), but most people complete the process in two appointments spaced about a week apart. With good oral hygiene, veneers usually last between five and seven years, and sometimes longer.

3. Consider composite bonding

Composite dental bonding is one of the quickest ways to refresh your smile before the holidays. Using a tooth-colored resin, your dentist can repair minor chips, cracks, or discoloration — even reshape uneven teeth — in just one visit. The resin blends seamlessly with your natural enamel, instantly giving your smile a smoother, more uniform appearance that’s camera-ready for every festive occasion.

When you’re ready for a long-term solution

After the holidays, we can help you shape up your smile for years to come.

Invisalign® offers a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of metal braces. Using a series of clear, removable aligners, it gently guides your teeth into proper position over time. 

Because the trays are nearly invisible and easy to take out for meals and brushing, Invisalign fits seamlessly into your daily life — helping you achieve a beautifully aligned smile that lasts well beyond the holiday season.

Dr. Patel may also recommend gum contouring, white fillings, dental implants, and porcelain crowns to transform your look and outlook for life. 

If you’re concerned about your smile and want to improve its appearance for the holidays, we can help! After an oral exam and a discussion of your goals, we can make personalized treatment recommendations. To get started, call SolidSMILES Dental today or book your visit online.